Environmental and Genetic Etiology of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting joints, characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Through a meticulous evaluation of recent studies, this review explores emerging molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying RA pathogenesis. Although RA is idiopathic, several factors such as environmental influences, diet, the microbiome, gut microbiota, and genetic variations play a significant role in its pathogenesis. The involvement of various genetic factors, including HLA alleles and specific SNPs in genes such as PADI4, REL, RUNX1, FCGR2A, and CD40, has been identified in RA susceptibility. Additionally, the dysregulation of various genetic molecules, such as lncRNAs and miRNAs and proteins including IL-1 and CD28 contributes to inflammation and disease progression. Understanding the disease causing molecular and cellular mechanisms helps to identify therapeutic targets and guide personalized treatment strategies for RA.